HS SOFTBALL SIGNING: Lee's Gaona inks with Hardin-Simmons

Jonathan Hull | jhull@mrt.com

Published 1:31 pm, Wednesday, April 10, 2013

DEE GAONA

College: Hardin-Simmons University

High school: Lee

Sport: Softball

Gaona on why she chose HSU: "I went and visited the school, and after I talked to the coach I knew that was exactly where I wanted to be at. I always want to be close to my family. Family is everything to us, so it's only like two hours away."

Gaona on opportunity to play in college: "You do it your entire life and it's part of who you are by the time you get here. It's hard to think about not having it in your life. It's going to be a different level and it's going to be something new and I'm really excited about it."

Notes: Gaona has been the starting second baseman for the past two years for the Lady Rebels. ... Gaona expects to continue playing second base at Hardin-Simmons as Cowgirls coach Arin Spence-Salas said she was looking heavily at middle infielders in recruiting this year. Gaona expects to have an opportunity to earn playing time as a freshman. ... Gaona was hoping to continue playing softball at the next level and would have tried to play at Midland College if she had not signed at HSU. ... She's currently undecided on a major, but will be receiving some scholarship help from academics. ... Gaona is the second Lady Rebel senior to sign to play softball at Hardin-Simmons this year. Pitcher Emily Hardaway signed a letter of intent with HSU on March 27.